Studebaker Made in Canada
Studebaker of Canada Plaque
On the 1st of August at 10 AM in 2012 the Studebaker of Canada Plaque was presented by the Ontario Chapter SDC to the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend, Indiana to help honour Canadians who made significant contributions to Studebaker of Canada during it’s operation from 1910-1966 and during future years to continue the Studebaker Legacy in Canada.
All initial eight SMIC Guests at the 2012 Studebaker Made in Canada Celebration have their name on a plate to thank them for their service and in lieu of Merry Grundy Tinsley we mounted a plate for her father, Gordon E Grundy who as the last President of the Studebaker Automotive Division who tried to keep the business going through some tough times and challenges. Although the writing was on the wall back in March 1966, he proved to be a very able leader who to this day in 2012, on the 100th anniversary of his birth in the city of Toronto Ontario Canada, is remembered as a determined man who if given the proper resources could of maybe kept the Studebakers rolling off the assembly line for years to come.
Presently we have 29 Honourees (which includes 3 couples) on the SMIC Plaque. To read their personal biographies just click their highlighted names.
Studebaker Made in Canada Honourees
Stu Chapman
Studebaker of Canada – Hamilton Advertising & Public Relations Director 1964-66
Roy Graham
Studebaker Dealership - Haydon, ON Graham’s Garage – Owner & Chief Mechanic
Gordon E Grundy
Studebaker of Canada President 1958-1966 Vice President -1953-1958
Reg Hillary
Studebaker of Canada Sponsored Rally Car - Co-winner of the 1961 Trans Canada Car Rally
Lou Saunders
Studebaker of Canada – Hamilton Factory Worker 1962-66
Peter Sant
Studebaker of Canada – Hamilton Purchasing Agent 1956-58
John Spillett
Studebaker of Canada Hamilton Production Supervisor - 1948-66
George Wingfield
Studebaker of Canada Hamilton Factory Worker 1962-66
Jack Downey
Studebaker of Canada - Hamilton Factory Worker 1947-1966
Jack Holden
Studebaker of Canada - Hamilton Factory Worker 1957-66.
Michael Skomoroh
Studebaker Dealer, Dryden, Ontario - Owner
Joe Dobrucki
Studebaker of Canada Employee, Plant Carpenter – Hamilton Ontario
Rolly Larmour
Studebaker Mechanic, Ottawa, Ontario
Lillian Morris
Studebaker of Canada Employee, Advertising Supervisor, Hamilton, Ontario
M.S. “Mel” Brooks
Vice President & General Manager, Studebaker Corporation of Canada Walkerville, Ontario
Chris Birch
Studebaker of Canada - Hamilton Factory Foreman 1947-1965
Ted Sparling
Studebaker of Canada – Hamilton Factory Worker 1964-66
Denis “ Gus” Gaskin
Studebaker of Canada Vice President 1941-1952 President 1952-58
Neil Denis Gaskin
Studebaker of Canada Asst Purchasing Director 1948 -1960
Frederick Gordon Stacey
Studebaker of Canada Industrial Relations Director - 1952-1966
Harley & Sheila Timbers
Studebaker Owners/Restorers for 70+ years
Bill & Joan Patterson
Owners/Restorers of Studebakers for 65+ years
Ray Martin
Owner/Restorer of over 40 Studebakers for 65 years
Ian Graham
Studebaker Mechanic & Owner since 1963
Al & Wilma Jordan
Owners & Restorers for over 50 years
Gerry Revell
1st President of the Ontario SDC Owned 130 Studebakers over 40 years
Bill Moeser
Studebaker of Canada - Plant Manager & Vice-President of Manufacturing 1962-66
Wally Naisbitt
Studebaker of Canada - Fleet Sale Manager - worked at Hamilton Plant for 20 yrs
Note: If you are or know of a Canadian that worked for Studebaker of Canada, an Authorized Canadian Studebaker Dealership or helped to promote Studebaker of Canada during its 56 years of operation or during future years then contact the Ontario Chapter SDC to see if you/they qualify to purchase a plate ($50 Donation) to mount on the commemorative plaque. If you wish to nominate any Canadian for this award please contact Will Norton with a short history of their involvement with Studebaker of Canada/Studebakers or the SDC, photograph of nominee and the Ontario Chapter will consider sponsoring the nominee themselves. All monies earned go to the Studebaker National Museum towards its operating expenses. It’s time to remember the Canadian Studebaker Contribution and honour the persons that made it happen while in operation or greatly contributed to the Studebaker legacy in Canada. If you wish to submit a name please contact the Ontario Chapter SDC via email or phone Will Norton at 613-777-5314 for more info.